32 Weeks

32 Weeks - Pregnancy

Baby

Your baby is almost 4 pounds now, and measures about 17 inches long. She is starting to fit her home really well, soon to run out of space in there. Don’t worry; she’ll find a way to fit, maybe even into your ribs. Since she is growing larger, you may start to feel a decrease in movement as she runs out of room to do somersaults.

Your baby’s organs are all functioning well, with the exception of the lungs. Her lungs are growing stronger every day, but it will be a few more weeks until they are fully developed.

Her five senses of sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell are now well developed, and she is practicing using these right now. She is even dreaming; as studies show that babies have periods of REM sleep in a dream state starting at about 8 months in utero. Maybe she’s dreaming of your voice.

Mom

At week 32, you can’t believe that your belly can grow any more, but it can! You will gain about ½ a pound every week until you deliver. Most of that goes right to baby’s weight though. Have you gotten any stretch marks yet? These often dreaded breaks in your skin’s dermis usually show up by this week, if you’re going to get them. What determines if you get stretch marks? Obviously, rapid weight gain causes stretch marks, but the number one reason for getting stretch marks is genetics. If you are genetically inclined to getting stretch marks, you will probably get them.

Heartburn and breathlessness are probably really bothering you now, as your uterus is pushing against your diaphragm and stomach. Try sleeping propped up if you are having this problem. Maybe adding an extra pillow under your upper back while you sleep will help. Soon, your baby may drop into your pelvis in preparation for labor, although some babies never “drop”. These are the babies that have to be coaxed out slowly when it’s time for their delivery day.